Brightening Our Lives: The Transformative Power of Light on Wellbeing
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- August 20, 2024
People spend an astonishing 90% of their time indoors, surrounded by artificial lighting that disrupts our natural rhythms. As someone who has spent 18 years reading, researching, and writing about wellbeing, I have often pondered whether our journey to optimal health is more about returning to nature rather than chasing complex solutions. Our bodies crave a natural environment—eating freshly produced food, moving in diverse ways, and syncing with the rhythm of the seasons. Yet, society’s demands have overcomplicated these simple truths, leaving our circadian rhythms out of balance.
In a recent interview with Deepak Savadatti, CEO of BIOS, and Robert Soler, Chief Scientist, I discovered how their team is tackling this problem head-on. They have been working on ground-breaking circadian technology, developed by Robert as a NASA scientist, that promises to revolutionise our experience with light and restore harmony to our biological clocks. Their innovative approach aims to bring the natural lighting cycle indoors, helping us align with the rhythms that are essential for our health and wellbeing.
The Problem with Modern Lighting
Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of our environment. We often take it for granted, assuming that as long as we can see and it’s energy efficient, it will suffice. However, lighting profoundly impacts our mood, productivity, and even our health. Imagine waking up naturally with the sunrise, experiencing a clear blue sky during the day, and unwinding under soft evening light. For most, this is a vacation fantasy. But what if you could replicate this experience every day, regardless of your environment or the weather outside?
The Science of Circadian Rhythms
Circadian rhythms are the body’s internal clocks, guiding our sleep-wake cycles, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Misalignment with the natural 24-hour day-night cycle can lead to numerous issues, including sleep disorders, fatigue, and even chronic health problems. Disrupted circadian rhythms contribute to insomnia, reduced focus, and mood disorders, impacting both personal and professional lives.
Understanding light’s role in this equation is crucial. Light temperatures, measured in Kelvin (K), range from warm colours like the glow of a campfire (2,000K) to the cool whites of a sunny day (5,000K). Cooler lighting, similar to natural sunlight, has been shown to improve alertness, energy, and mood, making it ideal for workplaces where productivity is key.
A New Dawn in Lighting
SKYVIEW™ offers a revolutionary approach to lighting by mimicking the natural cycle of light throughout the day. Robert Soler, one of the brains behind this technology, explained that the concept originated with his time at NASA, where astronauts needed a solution to mimic Earth’s day-night cycle while orbiting the planet every 90 minutes. The technology was so effective that it became clear its benefits could extend far beyond the confines of space.
Their technology focuses on the “sky blue” wavelength, sending critical signals to our brain via melanopsin, a special photopigment in our eyes. Traditional indoor lights fail to target melanopsin effectively, leaving our circadian rhythms confused and misaligned. In contrast, SKYVIEW’s circadian lighting replicates the spectrum of natural light, helping regulate the body’s internal clock and improve wellbeing.
Impact and Research
The real-world impact is impressive. Research conducted by Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital found significant benefits for its users, including a 12% boost in productivity, a 78% increase in motivation, and a 90% rise in attention within days of use. Users reported feeling a 190% increase in mental sharpness, akin to the alertness provided by an extra cup of coffee—without the caffeine crash.
SKYVIEW is not just a lamp; it’s a lifestyle transformation. Anecdotal evidence shows households using the technology experience improved energy levels, better sleep, and enhanced mood. Children wake up refreshed and ready for school, and families report fewer conflicts, feeling more balanced and in sync with nature.
Everyday Life
The benefits are not limited to the home. Imagine workplaces where lighting supports natural circadian rhythms, boosting productivity and reducing stress. A major airline is exploring this technology to help aircrews cope with time zone shifts and unnatural lighting environments. They have already developed lighting panels for office ceilings, and their potential applications are vast.
Signs of Circadian Rhythm Disruption
Is your circadian rhythm out of balance? Look for signs such as sleep problems, performance issues, emotional difficulties, and health problems like obesity and heart disease. Misaligned rhythms can also increase accident risks and impair social interactions. SKYVIEW offers a simple yet powerful solution to realign our biological clocks and enhance our quality of life.
The BIOS mission is to redefine our relationship with light, transforming it from a mere necessity into a tool for enhancing wellbeing. Their vision is a world where restful nights and dynamic days are the norm, not luxuries. By embracing this technology, we have the opportunity to return to the natural rhythms our bodies crave and shine our brightest in all aspects of life. As we look to the future, SKYVIEW stands at the forefront of innovation, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced world.
